Route Overview
Explore the lush rainforests, volcanic peaks, and rugged coastline of Washington State's national parks: Olympic, Mt. Rainier, and North Cascades.
Itinerary
Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge, drive to Olympic. Afternoon at Hurricane Ridge with mountain views and deer.
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center
Mile-high views of the Olympic Mountains and Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Road often closed in winter. Check conditions. Fog can obscure views.
Hurricane Hill Trail
3.2 miles RT, 700ft gain. Wildflowers in summer, 360° views from summit.
Can be windy at top. Marmots are common. Views of Mt. Olympus.
Hurricane Ridge Sunset
Watch the sun set behind the Olympic peaks. Deer often appear at dusk.
Road gate closes at sunset - check times and don't linger too long.
Explore the magical Hoh Rainforest (Hall of Mosses trail), then head to Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach for dramatic Pacific coastline.
Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center
One of the wettest places in the U.S. - 140 inches of rain annually.
Expect rain! Bring rain gear. Lush moss covers everything.
Hall of Mosses Trail
0.8-mile loop through the most magical temperate rainforest in North America.
Iconic mossy maples. Best with soft overcast light.
Ruby Beach
Sea stacks, driftwood, and rugged Pacific coastline.
Check tide charts. Low tide best for exploring tidepools.
Rialto Beach
Walk 1.5 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall natural arch. Wild, dramatic coastline.
Only accessible at low tide! Check tide tables carefully.
Morning soak at Sol Duc Hot Springs, hike to Sol Duc Falls, afternoon kayaking or hiking at Lake Crescent.
Sol Duc Hot Springs
Natural mineral hot springs with developed pools. Soak in the rainforest.
Resort pools open seasonally. Fee required. Bring swimsuit.
Sol Duc Falls Trail
1.6-mile RT to beautiful three-pronged waterfall surrounded by old growth.
Easy, well-maintained trail. Falls most impressive in spring.
Lake Crescent
Glacially carved lake with impossibly blue water. Kayak, paddleboard, or swim.
Lake Crescent Lodge has rentals and dining. Water is COLD.
Marymere Falls Trail
1.8-mile RT through old-growth forest to 90-foot waterfall.
Trailhead at Storm King Ranger Station. Easy family hike.
Drive around Puget Sound to Mt. Rainier. Enter at Nisqually, explore Paradise Visitor Center, and hike Skyline Trail.
Paradise Visitor Center
Gateway to Rainier's alpine meadows. Stunning views of the mountain.
Arrives early on summer weekends - parking fills by 10am.
Skyline Trail Loop
5.5-mile loop with 1,700ft gain. Best wildflower meadows in the park.
Peak bloom mid-July to mid-August. Snow may linger into July.
Sunrise side in morning (Sunrise Point has best Rainier views), wildflower meadows, Grove of the Patriarchs old-growth forest.
Sunrise Visitor Center
Highest point accessible by car in Washington. Closest views of Rainier.
Road opens late June/July. 2-hour drive from Paradise via park roads.
Sunrise Rim Trail to Frozen Lake
5-mile RT through alpine meadows with Rainier views the entire way.
Less crowded than Paradise. Marmots everywhere.
Grove of the Patriarchs
1.3-mile loop to island grove of 1,000-year-old Douglas firs and western red cedars.
Suspension bridge to island grove. Ancient trees up to 25 feet in diameter.
Drive north through Washington's Cascade Range. North Cascades Highway is stunning. Afternoon at Diablo Lake overlook.
Diablo Lake Overlook
Turquoise glacier-fed lake. Color comes from rock flour ground by glaciers.
Best color on sunny days. Multiple overlooks along highway.
Ross Lake Overlook
Largest of the three dam lakes. Ross Dam visible below.
Access to Ross Lake requires hiking or boat - this overlook is view-only.
Washington Pass Overlook
Liberty Bell Mountain and the Early Winters Spires. Classic Cascades scenery.
Short walk to overlook. Golden hour light spectacular on spires.
Morning hike (Cascade Pass if ambitious, Thunder Knob if easier). Drive scenic highway back to Seattle for flights.
Thunder Knob Trail
3.6-mile RT, 500ft gain to stunning views of Diablo Lake and Colonial Peak.
Easier than Cascade Pass. Great for all skill levels.
Gorge Creek Falls Viewpoint
242-foot waterfall visible from highway bridge. Easy roadside stop.
Bridge can be narrow with traffic. Quick photo stop.
Creates a copy you can customize
7
Days
21
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
July-September when all roads are open and weather is most reliable
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